Chimukali
A song. An animation.
A story that still matters.
A deeply personal 2D animated film on female foeticide and the dreams of the girl child. Born from a song, Chimukali became a story of hope that reached audiences across India.
Experience the Film
Watch Chimukali
I invite you to listen to the song, watch the film and experience the emotion behind it.
A song. An animation. A story that still matters.
A song that became
a story of hope.
Some stories are imagined. Others come from a place so personal that they need to be told.
Chimukali began with a song I wanted to write about the girl child. I never imagined that this song, born out of my own experiences and emotions, would eventually become a three-minute animated film, released in theatres across India and recognised at national and international film festivals.
Created in 2013 under the banner of Films Division of India, Chimukali remains one of the most personal projects of my creative journey.
An Idea That Came From the Heart
I had always wanted to do something meaningful around female foeticide and the rights of the girl child. Music was a natural way for me to express myself, and the idea of writing a song on this subject began to take shape.
Interestingly, the suggestion came from my father—the very person from whom I had been hoping for appreciation and acceptance.
As I explored the subject, I encountered portrayals filled with pain, suffering and injustice. I understood the importance of showing these realities, but I found myself asking a different question.
Could I communicate this message through love rather than pain?
Instead of showing only what a girl child is denied, I wanted to show what she dreams of—the little things she longs for, the love she hopes to receive and the life she wishes to live.
I wanted to create something gentle, almost like a lullaby. A song that would touch hearts and help people see a girl child as a life full of possibility.
That thought became Chimukali.
From a Song to a Film
I wrote the lyrics and composed the tune, imagining it as a gentle, lullaby-like expression of a girl child's hopes and dreams.
My mentor, Mr. Mahendra Chheda, encouraged me to take the idea forward and turn it into a film. With his guidance, I approached Films Division of India. The concept was presented to the then Director General, Mr. V. S. Kundu, and experienced professionals from the film industry. It was subsequently approved for production.
What had begun as a personal idea and a song was now taking its first steps towards becoming a film.
The Song
Lyrics and melody inspired by a desire to communicate the hopes and dreams of the girl child.
The Music
A young singer's voice and the work of music professionals brought the emotion of the song to life.
The Animation
Simple 2D line-drawing animation allowed the characters, their expressions and the song to lead the storytelling.
Finding the Voice and Music
Once the film was approved, the next step was to bring the song to life.
I wanted a young girl to sing it—not just in tune, but with the innocence and emotion the lyrics needed. With the help of my friend Amit Mapsekar, we found Madhura, whose beautiful rendition brought the song to life.
Amit also helped me connect with the right people from the music industry to create the film's music. I am grateful for his support in helping me bring together the talent needed to convey the emotion behind the song.
The song was finding its voice, and I could now begin to imagine how its feelings and message would unfold on screen.
The Beauty of Keeping It Simple
When it came to the visual treatment, I wanted the animation to be simple and honest—something that would let the song and its emotions lead the storytelling.
I had always been inspired by the simplicity of Ek Chidiya, Anek Chidiya, the iconic animated film that communicates a meaningful idea through uncomplicated visuals and memorable storytelling. I was also drawn to artists who used simple line drawings to express ideas with clarity and feeling.
That became my approach to Chimukali. I chose simple 2D line-drawing animation, allowing the characters, their expressions and the song to carry the emotion.
I didn't want the visuals to overpower the message. I wanted them to complement it.
Sometimes, simplicity gives an idea the space it needs to breathe. And sometimes, the simplest expression is the one that stays with us the longest.
The Moment I Will Always Remember
When Chimukali was released in theatres across India, I watched it on a theatre screen for the first time.
I couldn't hold back my tears.
I was thinking about how many people might now see and hear the message that had begun with a song from my heart. It was no longer just my idea. It had the opportunity to reach people, touch emotions and perhaps make someone look at the girl child a little differently.
For me, seeing the film reach an audience was deeply moving. An idea that had once lived only in my thoughts and music had found its way to the big screen.
Recognition That Came as an Honour
The film's journey continued beyond the theatres, receiving recognition at film festivals.
IDSFFK
Nominated for Best Animated Film
International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala
IDPA Awards
Best Animated Film
The Woodpecker International Film Festival
Best Film — Social Welfare section
Each recognition was an honour, but what mattered most to me was that the message had travelled beyond its beginnings.
I remain grateful to Films Division of India, Mr. Mahendra Chheda, Amit Mapsekar, Madhura, the music professionals, the Motion Magic Media team, friends, family and everyone who contributed to bringing Chimukali to life.
An idea may begin with one person, but a film is never the work of one person alone.
A Message That Still Matters
For me, Chimukali was never just about addressing a social issue. It was about finding the right expression for a message that mattered.
I chose to speak through a song, a child's dreams and a gentle visual language rather than relying only on disturbing imagery. I wanted people to connect emotionally with the life and possibilities of a girl child.
Looking back, the film reflects something I continue to believe as a filmmaker and communication strategist:
The way we tell a story can change the way people feel about an idea.
The right expression isn't always the most elaborate one. Sometimes, a simple drawing, a gentle melody or a child's dream can communicate what words alone cannot.
Film Credits
Chimukali was brought to life through the contributions of a team of artists, musicians and collaborators.
Film & Direction
Music Credits
Compositing
Special Thanks
- Om Amol Thakur
- Mahendra Chheda (Prince Plastics)
- Thakur Family
- Dhokale Family
- Amit R. Mhapasekar
- Ramakant Mhapasekar
- Abhishek Sawant
- Gautam R. Madame
- Ananta Gille
- Shakil Ahmed
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, talent, encouragement and support to bring Chimukali to life.
Some stories stay with us because of what they show us. Others stay with us because of what they make us feel.
For me, Chimukali will always be a little of both.
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